Sunday, May 27, 2012

Shavuot

Today in Israel was the annual holiday of Shavuot, which commemorates the anniversary of the day that G-d gave the Torah to the people of Israel who had gathered at Mount Sinai. This day comes exactly 50 days after the Passover holiday. We count the days between Passover and Shavuot in a tradition known as the Counting of the Omer. In honor of reaching the Shavuot celebration on the 50th day, you will find the Western Wall packed with people praying all night long on the Eve of Shavuot.

Shavuot is also known as a harvest holiday since historically it was the first day that the Jewish people could bring fruits to the Temple in Jerusalem. The seasonal fruits which are incorporated into this holiday include the seven species of Israel: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates.

Fittingly, it is the perfect time of year seasonally to feast on such delicious fresh fruits. It is also traditional to eat milk and cheese products during your Shavuot feast, including cheese blintzes, cottage cheese and of course fresh cheesecake.

Most modern day Israelis take this day off as a chance to get away with the family for a little vacation, some R & R, perhaps make a barbecue and definitely feast on some delicious cheesecake.